#small acts

I've been sitting on this idea for a while, and I can't believe I finally went with it! Here's the thing:

I think about charity a lot. I also donate in amounts that frankly feel embarrassing, whatever I can actually spare that month. I know rationally that every little helps etc etc, but there's still this nagging feeling of this isn't enough, this doesn't count.

So I started wondering, am I the only one? probably not, right?

Here's what I've done with that feeling: I've added two new tiers to my Patreon. They're called Loyal Reader — Donor Edition (€5/month) and Tireless Reader — Donor Edition (€15/month), and they work exactly like the existing tiers (same content, same perks). The only difference is the small extra on top, which goes into a shared fund.

Every quadrimester, everyone on a Donor tier votes on which charity to support from a shortlist, at the end of the quadrimester (end of April, August, and December), the whole pooled amount gets donated. I'll share the receipt publicly so everyone can see where it went, then we start over.

it's not a lot, I have rookie numbers and I know it. But if even a handful of people join in, that's real money going somewhere real, chosen together, transparently, consistently. And I think that matters even when the individual amounts feel like they don't count enough.

Anyway. Here's the link to the tiers if you're interested, and if not, no worries—I'm just glad you're here. ♥

Here are a few of my favorite charities to spark your interest (they're all rated at least A- by Charity Watch), but since I've just launched this, I'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments!

As true & important today as ever

Thank you for the important & timeless words,

J.R.R. Tolkien

https://www.etsy.com/listing/683251904/lord-of-the-rings-art-jrr-tolkien-quote

It’s in the small things. 1. The curve of your lips as you smile. 2. The gleam in your eye as you ramble about what you love. 3. The pep in your step as you walk. 4. The purse of your lips as you whistle your favorite hymn. It’s in these small things that I fall in love.

It’s in the small things. 1. The crease of your furrowed brow before you raise your voice. 2. The square of your shoulders before you take a step toward me. 3. The pulse of your fingers as you clench and unclench your fist. 4. The fire in your eyes before you advance. It’s in these small things that I become frightened.

It’s in the small things. 1. The hesitation in your step before you falter and step back. 2. The single tear running down your cheek as you realize what you were about to do. 3. The flutter of your eyelashes as you close your eyes and rest your head in your hands. 4. The waver in your voice as you excuse yourself, promising to get help. It’s in these small things that we get better.

It’s in the small things. 1. The weak smile before leaving for your appointment. 2. The calming breaths, in and out, before speaking. 3. The new late night conversations, filled with anxiety and hope. 4. The goodbye of separation that is best for all. It’s in these small things that we recover.

r/m/t

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